Gay Pride Month. On June 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton proclaimed June to be Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, citing the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 that gave birth to the gay and lesbian rights movement. Calling on the nation to "work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," President Barack Obama issued a similar proclamation June 1, 2009.

In past years, a long list of celebrities, athletes, politicians and television personalities have opened up about their sexual orientation. Here's how some notable and talented people told the world.